Even though snow was late arriving in our local mountains, we jumped to the chance to snowshoe out to Dewey Point with its beautiful views up Tenaya Canyon when Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area announced that they had opened up Nordic activities on a limited basis. We sure didn’t know how long that limited basis would last and didn’t want to miss the opportunity. Just shy of the ski lodge, we turned left and parked at their lot up near the trailhead. We got our snowshoes on and off we went, making sure we stayed out of the cross country ski tracks on the trail.

Glacier Point Road was closed to traffic but had been previously groomed for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and winter activities. We only saw one cross country skier during the morning.

When we reached Summit Meadow, the bright sun was sparkling.

What a surprise to see that someone had built a snow chair!

And what does a person do when they see a snow chair? Well, sit in it of course.

Photo by Gail Gilbert

We decided to do a looped snowshoe to Dewey Point, going in on the Meadow Trail and returning on the Ridge Trail.

The trail led through a beautiful meadow with pristine snow.

Photo by Gail Gilbert

We continued up the trail.

Photo by Gail Gilbert

There were some short uphill climbs.

Then we caught our first glimpse of the high country.

Then our first look at Dewey Point, named after Admiral George Dewey of the Spanish American War. He is best known for his victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. He was also the only person in the history of the United States to have attained the rank of Admiral of the Navy, the most senior rank in the United States Navy. You can read more about him in my prior Blog.

Photo by Debra Sutherland

Photo by Debra Sutherland

How beautiful! And we had this special place to ourselves.

We took a few pictures.

Photo by Gail Gilbert

Then we had our lunch. Deb brought hot tea which she enjoyed next to her favorite tree. This lightening striked tree survived many tough years up on that point but finally died last fall but we still feel like it is an old friend that we need to sit with for a while.

And we did sit for a while, had our lunch and admired the view.

Photo by Debra Sutherland

Then we wandered around a bit.

Photo by Gail Gilbert

One last look up that beautiful lightening striked tree. It was almost like the clouds have given it foliage again.

It was time for us to hit the trail

We took a different way out, following the Ridge Trail. Just a smidge above the junction of the Ridge and Meadow Trails, there is a spot where you can catch a glimpse of Yosemite Falls.

Photo by Gail Gilbert

Photo by Gail Gilbert

We continued on the trail, following the ridge line through the trees.

Photo by Debra Sutherland

We left the trail at a wonderful viewpoint to take in this view toward the valley.

Photo by Gail Gilbert

If you are interested in snowshowing out of Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area, they rent snowshoes and there are even guided snowshoe hikes. They are open on a limited basis, Friday-Sunday through April 1, 2018 as conditions permit. You can also check out their webcam, along with the rental and snowshoe hikes and current conditions at the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area Page here. Yosemite National Park has some great information on how you can safely enjoy winter sports at the link at the end of the blog. You can also access a PDF of their Glacier Point Road Winter Trails brochure on this link, which includes a map of the trails in the area with safety information.

Photo by a Nice Family on the Trail

Dog Hike? No

Dogs are not allowed on this Trail.

Where Pets Are Not Allowed

On trails, including the trail to Vernal Fall (however, pets are allowed on the Wawona Meadow Loop)

On unplowed roads covered in snow

In undeveloped and wilderness areas

In public buildings

On shuttle buses

In lodging areas

In all walk-in and group campgrounds/campsites, including Camp 4

In any other areas, as signed

These regulations protect both pets and wildlife from disease and each other. The National Park Service has prohibited pets on trails for many years. In particular, some pets chase wildlife, pollute water sources, and can become defensive and dangerous in unfamiliar surroundings. Pet owners have the burden to assure their pet does not damage the park values for others in those areas where pets are allowed.

Yosemite Hospitality operates a dog kennel in Yosemite Valley from approximately late May through early September. Written proof of immunizations (rabies, distemper, parvo, and Bordetella) must be provided. Dogs must be at least 20 pounds (smaller dogs may be considered if you provide a small kennel). You can get more information about the kennel by calling 209/372-8326.